Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Durham, NC and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four key possibilities for learning French interactively in Durham, NC. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your second possibility can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private French tutor in Durham, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Durham, NC and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn French and what are the ballpark lesson costs for French tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, positive reviews and student demand. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of French do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. Realistically, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have French tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn French?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in French will require at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of French or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own French instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved French tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.